In pictures: Camel racing storms back in Sinai after COVID-19 hiatus

The traditional sport is popular in many Arab countries, most notably in the Gulf region

Published: September 15, 2020 08:26 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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Spread out at the foot of a vast plateau in the Sinai desert, hundreds of excited Bedouins gathered to race their camels after a six-month break due to coronavirus. Image Credit: AFP

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Shrouded in a vast sand cloud kicked up by the hump-backed beasts, more than 500 camels were loudly cheered on by their owners dressed in traditional jalabiyas and headdresses. Image Credit: AFP

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Camel racing is a popular traditional sport in many Arab countries, most notably in the Gulf region. And in Egypt, Bedouins of the South Sinai desert have kept up the tradition. Image Credit: AFP

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But race events have been suspended since March following the Covid-19 outbreak, and orders only came down at the beginning of the month that they could resume last weekend. Image Credit: AFP

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The camels ran around a two-kilometre (1.2-mile) track in the Tih plateau, completing it in a matter of minutes, as they were followed by spectators and owners riding in SUVs to get a close-up glimpse of the action. Image Credit: AFP

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The competition "is a training for the international race, which should take place in October in Sharm el-Sheikh," Saleh al-Muzaini, head of the Nuweiba camel club, told AFP. Image Credit: AFP

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One group of camels after another, placed in different categories according to age and whether they were male or female, made their debut on the dirt track lined by sand embankments on each side. Image Credit: AFP

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In a different race, young boys mount the camels to complete a 10-kilometre course. Image Credit: AFP

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People watch a camel race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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A young jockey prepares to take part in a camel race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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A group of men watch a camel race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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Camels run on a dirt track during a race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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Camels prepare for a race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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Camels prepare before they take part in a race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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People watch a camel race in Egypt's South Sinai desert. Image Credit: AFP

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